Stadium confirmed for Carmona swearing-in...

The swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Anthony Thomas Aquinas Carmona on March 18 will be a day to remember, as was that of President George Maxwell Richards at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in 2008.

Richards created history as the first President in Trinidad and Tobago to be sworn in at a public venue—the Hasely Crawford Stadium—and Carmona will follow suit come next month at the Wrightson Road, Port of Spain venue.

Carmona was elected by the electoral college last Friday as this country's fifth President, succeeding Richards who served two consecutive terms from 2003 to 2013.

Richards will officially demit office on March 17.

Today, Carmona will receive his instrument of appointment from House Speaker Wade Mark, who is also chairman of the electoral college and who presided over Carmona's election last Friday.

This will take place in one of the Parliament's lounges at the International Waterfront Centre in Port of Spain.

The Express understands that the stadium venue for Carmona's swearing-in ceremony has been confirmed and the Office of the President was working assiduously to ensure that everything is in place for the big day.

The invitations are in the works and an itinerary was being created.

The Express learnt that Carmona's swearing-in ceremony will be similar to Richards's ceremony— the oath of office will be administered by Chief Justice Ivor Archie, there will be an inspection of the guard of honour, a cultural presentation, and Carmona is expected to make an address.

Richards, who is the holder of the Trinity Cross, the nation's highest award, as well as the Chaconia Medal of Merit, regards himself as a man of the people and is well known for his love of Carnival.

He was sworn in for his second term at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on March 17, 2008, when a number of school children, teachers, public servants, regional corporation members, Cabinet and Opposition members and more were in attendance to witness the historic event.

The Express understands that members of the judiciary are expected to be in attendance next month to see their former colleague take his oath of office.

As usual, the red carpet will be laid out and much pomp and ceremony is expected.

At Richards's ceremony, masqueraders from Rosalind Gabriel's band Wings of Hope, designed by mas maker Brian MacFarlane, gave a presentation.

There was also singing and dance performances.

Richards, in his address on that occasion, devoted part of his speech to the nation's youth and urged them to be committed to building the nation.

Richards and his wife Dr Jean Ramjohn Richards are currently on vacation.